Why did they cover covered bridges?
Most of America’s covered bridges were built between 1825 and 1875. By the 1870s, most bridges were covered at the time of construction. The original reason for the cover was to protect the bridge’s trusses and decks from snow and rain, preventing decay and rot.
Why did they cover bridges in New England?
Driving Tour of New England Covered Bridges. In 19th-century New England, bridge makers were focused solely on the longevity of their structure, rather than protecting travelers from the elements. The roof and siding on these bridges blocked harsh New England weather from damaging the heavy interior beams and timbers.
What is the longest covered bridge in New England?
Cornish–Windsor Covered Bridge
| Cornish–Windsor Covered Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Material | Wood |
| Total length | 449 feet 5 inches (136.98 m) |
| Width | 24 feet (7.3 m) |
| Longest span | 204 feet (62 m) |
What is the longest covered bridge in New Hampshire?
the Cornish-Windsor Bridge
Probably the most prominent of all of Vermont’s and New Hampshire’s covered bridges, the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, built in 1866, is the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States and the longest two-span covered bridge in the world.
Why are Madison County bridges covered?
The bridges were covered by order of the County Board of Supervisors to help preserve the large flooring timbers, which were more expensive to replace than the lumber used to cover the sides and roof.
Which state has most covered bridges?
Vermont is home to more than 100 covered bridges, boasting more covered bridges per square mile than any other U.S state. The bridges date from 1820 (the original Pulp Mill Bridge across Otter Creek in Middlebury), with most constructed during the mid and late 19th Century.